The Senate has condemned the abduction of 87 students and teachers in separate attacks recorded within 24 hours in Borno and Oyo States, describing the incidents as a direct threat to Nigeria’s future.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, in a statement issued on Sunday through his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, said the incidents were deeply disturbing, particularly considering previous investments made to enhance school safety across the country.
According to reports, armed assailants abducted 45 students and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, while suspected Boko Haram militants kidnapped 42 students from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
Bamidele of Senate stated that the twin attacks underscore the urgent need to strengthen security in educational institutions, warning that continued assaults on schools pose a serious risk to national development.
He noted that the National Assembly is currently working on constitutional amendments to establish state police, describing it as a key reform needed to improve security nationwide.
He added that the proposal is in its advanced stages and will be forwarded to state Houses of Assembly for consideration once completed.
The Senate Leader also urged federal and state governments to reinforce the Safe School Initiative as an interim measure, especially in light of the growing number of out-of-school children in the country.
He further called for bipartisan cooperation on security and constitutional reforms, stressing that the issue of abductions should not be politicised.
The Senate reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing legislative actions aimed at addressing insecurity when plenary resumes.
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